Giurgiu-Ruse bridge 1941

[MarmiteMan]

Various publications - those covering 9. Panzer-Division in particular - showcase or at least mention the German-built temporary bridge (traffic/vehicles up to 24 tons) over the lower Danube between Giurgiu (Romania) and Ruse (Bulgaria) constructed February 1941 and in use from 1st March.

Yosef Israel, Rescuing the Rebbe of Belz [p. 401] mentions rail passengers travelling from Bucharest to Sofia having to disembark at Giurgiu, "cross[ed] the bridge on foot," and board another train waiting at Ruse. So, "foot bridge" - was this still the 'temporary' German-built bridge ...?

A permanent bridge was not constructed until 1954. Query: how long was this German-built bridge in place and used? When did it deteriorate - or was it eventually dismantled or destroyed?

[GregSingh]

Here is the photo: http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic. ... 6&t=223517

And another one:

Giurgiu - Ruse 1941

Giurgiu.jpg (44.25 KiB) Viewed 1469 times

This bridge remained in operation until mid 1944, when apparently was damaged by Anglo-American air raids.

To help with rail traffic a ferry service was constructed and remained in operation from mid-1941 to 1954.
Romania and Bulgaria ordered one ferry each, but Romanian ferry was sunk during construction in Hamburg, so only Bulgarian ferry was used.

Giurgiu - Ruse railroad ferry - Sofia

Source: http://www.railwaypassion.com/

[MarmiteMan]

Great stuff - Thanks!